The Telluride Creative District was established in 2012. It follows the boundaries of the town, and encompasses a potent zone of arts activity. Telluride was selected as one of the top 7 creative districts in the State of Colorado in 2012, bringing recognition and support for developing the district.
The history of Telluride reflects innovation, tenacity and the enduring human spirit. What makes us extraordinary are not just the ideas inspired in this challenging south western colorado landscape, but the intrepid local support for their incubation, execution, and export to the world.
TELLURIDE RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Creative Industries announced on March 9, 2012, that Telluride was among the top 7 applicants to receive recognition in the first round of creative districts considered by the state of Colorado. The newly formed Telluride Creative District, which follows the geographic boundaries of the town and encompasses a potent zone of arts activity, was designated one of 5 “Prospective Creative Districts” by Colorado Creative Industries and received funding and technical assistance to enhance economic and cultural vitality through the arts. The two “certified creative districts” are Downtown Salida and Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe.
“Colorado is filled with vibrant centers of commerce, culture and creativity, and is a magnet for creative workers,” Hickenlooper said. “The formation of Creative Districts provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to participate and invest in the arts, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists.”
Locally, our designation activated a community wide visioning process that fed an update of the Telluride Cultural Master Plan, first developed in 1996. Included in the cultural plan update are an economic impact survey of the arts and an arts asset map. Link to the full document here.
MORE ABOUT COLORADO CREATIVE DISTRICTS
Forty-four different districts from 25 counties applied for the designation from the state in this first round. In addition to the two areas that became Certified Creative Districts, five applicants were designated as Prospective Creative Districts and will each receive $8,000 and a customized package of technical assistance to enhance the likelihood that they will be certified in the future. Eight more applicants were designated as Emerging Creative Districts and will each receive $2,000 and technical assistance to further their district planning.
In 2011, Gov. Hickenlooper signed legislation that encourages the formation of Creative Districts in communities for the purposes of attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists to a community, infusing new energy and innovation which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community; creating hubs of economic activity, thereby enhancing the area as an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business, as well as create new economic activity; attracting visitors; revitalizing and beautifying communities; providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community’s unique identity; and showcasing cultural and artistic organizations, events, and amenities.
For more information please find us 970.728.3930, Telluride Arts.org, or on Facebook, Twitter or at the Stronghouse Studios 283 South Fir Street in Telluride.
